Post 680 color guard helps open Wright Elementary School

On Sept. 23, a large crowd gathered to dedicate the new Gary D. Wright Elementary School in Hampshire.

Members of the Hampshire-Burlington American Legion Post 680 paraded the colors.

The color guard, composed of Charles Stein, Ray Maynard, Gregory Stebbins and Robert Kudlicki, and led by post Cmdr. Dale A. Dopkins, marched to the front of the auditorium.

As the color guard members took their positions, Dopkins mounted the stage and presented Principal Donald Wicker with a large American flag.

The flag will fly on the flagpole in the plaza in front of the school.

The presentation of the flag is an example of the American Legion's commitment to youth and their schools, the post said.

In March, the American Legion will celebrate its 89th anniversary, having been founded in 1919 to assist World War I veterans as they made the difficult transition back to civilian life. Additionally, organizers saw the need to give voice to the plight of the widows and orphans as they struggled to deal with the loss of a husband and father.

The American Legion continues these critical missions today to serve our returning veterans and their families, and also to seize every opportunity to encourage patriotism on the part of our young people and their parents.

For information regarding Post 680 activities call Dopkins at (847) 683-0904.